Cabeza de Vaca was a Spanish conquistador who was shipwrecked in Florida in 1527 and walked his way to Mexico. He and his companions were lost for 8 years! This is his story. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit https://www...
Apr 01, 2026•27 min•Season 7Ep. 8
The final chapter of How I Mapped Palenque! In this episode the team photo documents Palenque's hidden architecture, Ed drives an invisible car over the Belizean border, and three years of the Palenque Mapping Project comes to a celebratory end. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job i...
Mar 01, 2026•27 min•Season 7Ep. 7
In this episode, the mapping crew explores eastern Palenque, finding a hidden waterfall and a massive building hiding right next to a tourist campground. They also have more run ins with the landowners of the west. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration ...
Feb 01, 2026•29 min•Season 7Ep. 6
Part 8 of the story behind the Palenque Mapping Project. In this episode, the team climbs waterfalls, encounters a Maya giant, and maps their way towards the eastern edge of Palenque. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit ht...
Jan 01, 2026•28 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Part 7 in the 9 part story of how I mapped Palenque. In this episode, you'll hear about hidden caves, feats of ancient hydraulic engineering, and naked women. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit https://www.mayaexploration...
Dec 04, 2025•32 min•Season 7Ep. 4
What was the nature of Ancestral Pueblo religion? That question is more difficult than you may expect. Join Ed as he sorts through the theories and evidence. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit https://www.mayaexploration....
Nov 01, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 3
The Ancestral Pueblo of what's now called the American Southwest mastered the art of living in dry and arid conditions. Their ability to adapt their settlement patterns in response to climate change was key to their success. As a civilization, they thrived for at least 800 years before the Spanish arrived and screwed everything up for them. The Stones are Speaking - find the documentary at www.gaultfilm.com Maya Exploration Center 2026 tours - www.mayaexploration.org Support the show Support Arc...
Oct 01, 2025•31 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Does it bother you when people use a bunch of industry specific jargon to make themselves sounds smart? Join Ed as he explains some archaeological terminology and his love/hate relationship with it. Check out Land Without a Continent on Matt Savino's website: https://mattsavino.com/ Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - http...
Sep 01, 2025•38 min•Season 7Ep. 1
Story time at ArchaeoEd. Once upon a time, Ed almost lost his life on an Indian reservation in Wyoming. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit https://www.mayaexploration.org Check out Ed's YouTube Channel, Archaeologist Ed B...
May 01, 2025•21 min•Season 6Ep. 9
Rapa Nui is one of the world's most remote islands and home to an amazing ancient civilization. Actually not that ancient - the Rapa Nui people are still here and remember their past through oral tradition. Ed's just back from the island with fresh perspectives to share. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.bars...
Apr 01, 2025•33 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Cuzco was the capital city of the ancient Inca Empire. Set in a lush valley high up in the Andes, it was arguably the most sophisticated city in the entire ancient Americas. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit https://www....
Mar 01, 2025•37 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Inca creation stories speak of previous eras, floods, and the eventual creation of the best of peoples - the Inca. Four brothers and four sisters take an epic journey to discover the Valley of Cuzco. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c...
Feb 01, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Nestled in the Valley of Mexico, the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan was the largest city ever built in the pre-Columbian Americas. Its daily mixture of violence and beauty was something that we modern humans should contemplate as part of our collective past. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed...
Jan 01, 2025•34 min•Season 6Ep. 5
The Aztecs were Mesoamerica's mightiest empire. But how did they get there? Well, it all started in a place called Aztlan. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit https://www.mayaexploration.org Check out Ed's YouTube Channel,...
Dec 01, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 4
In the summer of 1999, Ed and crew were risking life and limb to map the western side of Palenque. More snakes, more fantastic discoveries, and more crazy stories of life in Chiapas, Mexico. Dr. Barnhart is the director of Maya Exploration Center , a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the study of ancient civilizations in the Americas and beyond. MEC shares their knowledge with the general public through publications, public lectures, and educational travel programs. https://www.mayaexploration.org...
Nov 08, 2024•30 min•Season 6Ep. 3
In May and June of 1999, Ed and his mapping crew were hard at work puzzling out western Palenque. More deadly snakes, collapsed tombs, and 100's of ancient buildings were waiting for them in the jungle. Season 6 Episode 2, aired October 1, 2024. Evergreen Natural Pet A great choice for your pet's CBD supplement needs Go to www.evergreennaturalpet.com for more information and use code "MAYA" to get 10% off of your order today! Pawistive Cravings Go to www.pawsitivecravings.com for more informatio...
Oct 01, 2024•36 min•Season 6Ep. 2
The year was 1999. Ed and his crew started year two of the Palenque Mapping Project. Ed recounts the story - snakes, pyramids, tombs, and a visit from the President of Mexico! Season 6, Episode 1 - aired September 1, 2024. Evergreen Natural Pet A great choice for your pet's CBD supplement needs Go to www.evergreennaturalpet.com for more information and use code "MAYA" to get 10% off of your order today! Pawistive Cravings Go to www.pawsitivecravings.com for more information and use code "MAYA" t...
Sep 01, 2024•37 min•Season 6Ep. 1
The ancient city of Tiwanaku ruled the Southern Andes for 1000 years. From the Pacific Ocean to the Amazon, their empire spread far and wide. 12,500 ft asl on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the city itself boasts the largest megaliths ever created in South America. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots....
May 01, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 9
In 1997, Ed was part of the excavations that discovered the tomb of Copan's first ruler - Yax K'uk' Mo'. Join him as he tells the story in his usual humorous style. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit https://www.mayaexplo...
Apr 01, 2024•42 min•Season 5Ep. 8
There were multiple militaristic civilizations in the ancient Americas. In this episode, Ed talks about their rise to power and weapons of choice. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit https://www.mayaexploration.org Check o...
Mar 01, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Linda Schele was the most influential Mayanist of her time - some would say of all time. Ed had the good fortune to be counted among her graduate students. In this episode, he'll tell you some stories from his time with her. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Ex...
Feb 01, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 6
All over the ancient Americas, from Chile to Alaska, the Milky Way was seen as the path to the otherworld. Join Ed as he explains his evidence for that assertion. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit https://www.mayaexplora...
Jan 01, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Teotihuacan was the most important city in all of ancient Mesoamerican history. Despite almost 200 years of archaeology there, there's a whole lot we don't understand. Join Ed for a discussion of what we know - and still don't know - about Teotihuacan. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's da...
Dec 01, 2023•49 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Day of the Dead is a captivating and globally celebrated holiday. Accompany Ed on a journey through its rich origins, his personal encounters with this vibrant tradition in Latin America, and discover how you too can participate in its wonderful traditions. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed...
Nov 01, 2023•37 min•Season 5Ep. 3
When it comes to lost ancient cities that everyone wants to find, El Dorado runs a close 2nd to Atlantis. Did it really exist? Join Ed as he tries to unravel 500 years of stories and expedition accounts. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 5...
Oct 01, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Ever wonder how Ed became an archaeologist? Well here's the story. The year was 1990 and the place was Copan, Honduras. A field school experience for the record books! Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit https://www.mayaex...
Sep 01, 2023•33 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Fact - Peru's first pyramids are earlier than Egypt's Not only did they start earlier, they were built for centuries longer. Join Ed as the explains Peru's first civilizations from 3500-200 BCE. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 no...
May 01, 2023•39 min•Season 4Ep. 9
3500 years ago, Poverty Point was a thriving city of over 5000 people in the bayous of northern Louisiana. Despite not having agriculture or even ceramics, those people built North America's 2nd largest pyramid-mound. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Explorati...
Apr 01, 2023•38 min•Season 4Ep. 8
The final chapter of the Palenque Mapping Project, Season 1. More snakes, more temples, and a robbery at gun point! I got by with a little help from my friends. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit https://www.mayaexplorati...
Mar 01, 2023•33 min•Season 4Ep. 7
The continued story of how I mapped Palenque - still in 1998, field season 1 of 3. In this episode - forest fires, mangos, and skinny dipping. Support the show Support ArchaeoEd through Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/archaeoed Mayan Calendar - see the 2026 Mayan Calendar at https://www.mayan-calendar.com Bars and Dots, Maya date calculator software - https://www.barsanddots.com Ed's day job is Director of Maya Exploration Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit https://www.mayaexploration.org Check out E...
Feb 01, 2023•40 min•Season 4Ep. 6
